Goaltending sensing apparatus and related method of use

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a method to determine a goaltending while playing basketball. The method begins with sensing if a vibration, pressure or motion change has occurred within an enhanced ball. The second step is to send data from a sensor packet containing one or more sensors via an RF switch to a backboard sensor having a sensory zone and computer having a processor, memory device and RF switch. The third step measures if the enhanced ball was deflected in a downward trajectory through a program contained within the memory device of the computer. The fourth step is to assess whether the enhanced ball would have gone through a rim of a backboard. The final step is to send an alert through an alert display of a goaltending once the computer confirms the downward trajectory and likelihood the enhanced ball would have gone through the rim.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed toward an enhanced ball equipped with both motion and vibration sensors in communication with various sensors on a basketball backboard for purposes of determining, via calculation, whether a goaltending has occurred. The invention is further directed to a method of use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The game of basketball, initially developed in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith, has grown into a highly popular and international sport. The game is played with two teams of five individuals—traditionally on a wooden floor containing two backboards each raised ten feet above the wooden floor. Basketball includes the skills of shooting, dribbling, passing and defending.

One of the hallmarks of basketball is the fact that players conform to a standardized set of rules in order to play the game fairly. Many of these rules are, subject to a large degree of interpretation, while others are often difficult to call due to the speed of the game. Neutral referees positioned about the basketball floor interpret the rules and correspondingly call violations of those rules during play. One example of a basketball rule that is difficult to call during a game is whether a shot has been “blocked” or whether there has been goaltending. While a blocked shot is considered a positive act in basketball, goaltending is considered a violation of the rules of basketball.

A block is performed when, after a shot is attempted, a defender succeeds in altering the shot by touching or deflecting the ball that is in an upward direction toward the rim. However, goaltending occurs when the ball is on a downward arced path such that it is likely to go through the rim for a score. Goaltending is illegal under both the National Basketball Association (NBA) and NCAA Men's basketball college rules.

To block a shot, a player has to be able to reach a point higher than where the shot is released. Thus, height can be an advantage in blocking. Players who are taller and playing the power forward or center positions generally record more blocks than players who are shorter and playing the guard positions. However, with good timing and a sufficiently high vertical leap, even shorter players can be effective shot blockers.

Traditionally, determining whether a deflection is a block or a goaltend has been a visual determination made by the neutral referee. However, such visual determination can be suspect based upon the referee's inability to perceive (due to line of sight or the general speed of the game). This determination can also be affected by subjective issues (dislike for a player, etc). To date, there is no objective system to create a decisive determination whether a deflection is a block or goaltend.

Accordingly, there is a need in the field of basketball for an objective system or device to determine whether a deflection is a goaltend or simply a block. Moreover, there is no abiity to graphically or visually confirm whether the ball indeed was blocked or goaltended. Such a device should be robust and create a sufficient amount of information to support such findings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves the current lack of objectivity when it comes to assessing whether a goaltend or block has occurred. The apparatus is directed to a goaltending system to be used during a basketball game. The system includes an enhanced ball having an exterior side and corresponding interior side having two or more sensors, one or more RF switches and an internal power source. Positioned above the rim and infront of the backboard is a backboard sensor which includes an electromagnetic sensory zone and a computer having a processor, memory device and RF switch. An alert display is connected to the backboard sensor to alert players and a referee that a deflection was either a shotblock or a goaltending.

The enhanced ball may include two or more pressure sensors, motion sensors and vibration sensors housed within two or more sensor packets. These sensor packets connect to the interior side of the enhanced ball. The backboard sensor further includes a plurality of motion sensors placed along the length of the backboard capable of measuring the velocity and trajectory of the enhanced ball. In addition, the backboard sensor can include an antenna capable of receiving data from the enhanced ball when the enhanced ball is within the sensory zone. Optionally, a camera array having a track of one or more digital cameras capable of pivoting in tandem can be included with the backboard sensor.

The computer within the backboard sensor may also include a memory device in communication with the processor to maintain one or more programs. These programs may determine, among other things, whether the enhanced ball is within the sensory zone. Further, these programs may denote if the enhanced ball is within a downward trajectory (by measuring various height/elevations at a specific points in time) within the sensory zone to assess if there has been a deflection. Finally, a program can determine that at the point of deflection whether the enhanced ball was likely to fall within the rim to signify a goaltending.

The invention is further directed at a method for determining a goaltending during a basketball game. The method begins with sensing whether there has been a vibration, pressure change or motion change through a sensor packet located within the interior side of the enhanced ball. The second step is to send data from the sensor packet within the enhanced ball through one or more RF switches to a backboard sensor having a sensory zone and computer that includes a processor, memory device and RF switch. The third step is to measure whether the enhanced ball was deflected in a downward trajectory through a program contained within the memory device of the computer. The fourth step is to assess whether the enhanced ball would have gone through a rim of a backboard in which the blackboard sensor was connected. The final step is to send an alert through an alert display of a goaltending once the computer confirms the downward trajectory and likelihood the enhanced ball would have gone through the rim.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings illustrating various embodiments of the present invention, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the enhanced ball having two sensor packets;

FIG. 2 illustrates a single-use enhanced ball having RF connectors and a power source;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a multi-use enhanced ball;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the backboard including a sensory zone;

FIG. 5 is a top view showing a plurality of motion sensors on a backboard as part of the backboard sensors;

FIG. 6 is a side view that illustrates the various components of the camera array;

FIG. 7 is a back view showing the camera array;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the backboard showing another view of the camera array; and

FIG. 9 illustrates the components of the alert display.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

FIGS. 1 through 9 illustrate one preferred goaltending system 100 contemplated by the invention. As shown, the goaltending system 100 includes (but is in no way limited to) three primary components: an enhanced ball 200, a backboard sensor 300 which can include an optional camera array 400, and an alert display 500. Other additional and related components will be recognized and understood by those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the foregoing disclosure.

The Enhanced Ball

One component of the invention is directed to an enhanced ball 200. While it may take several forms and include varied functionality, the enhanced ball 200 measures various parameters—including motion (elevation/lateral distance), pressure and vibration—to determine whether a goaltending has indeed occurred. Based upon this determination, the enhanced ball 200 sends the appropriate electronic signal to the backboard sensor 300.

The invention contemplates two primary forms of the enhanced ball 200. The first version, illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, is a single-use ball 210, to be spent and discarded after a period of time. The second version, shown in FIG. 3, is a multi-use ball 220, which can be recycled and reused multiple times. Either of the enhanced balls (200 or 210) can be used by the same backboard sensor 300.

First turning to FIG. 1, the single-use ball 210 ball has an exterior side 211 and corresponding interior side 212. The single-use ball 210 can be made of a fiberglass shell and/or out of any traditional material used in the construction of basketballs. Positioned within the interior side 212 of the single-use ball 210 is a plurality of sensor packets 230. Preferably, the sensor packets 230 are affixed to the surface 213 of the interior side 212.

To ensure that the single-use ball 210 remains balanced for purposes of dribbling, passing and shooting—each sensor packet 230 is horizontally opposed to another. Accordingly, there are one or more sets of sensor packets: a first sensor packet 231 and corresponding second sensor packet 232. Preferably, there are three sets for a total of six sensors 231-236.

As further illustrated in FIG. 1, each sensor packet 230 contains one or more sensory devices 237. Such sensory devices 237 may include but are certainly not limited to a motion sensor 238, a vibration sensor 239 and a pressure sensor 240. The motion sensor 238 can determine and calculate any horizontal or vertical changes, as well as changes in direction, velocity and acceleration. In contrast, the shock/vibration sensor 239 can determine a sudden contact, shock or related event. Finally, the pressure sensor 240 can determine a sudden increase in the internal pressure within the interior side 212 of the single-use ball 210. This likewise suggests that the single-use ball 210 has been blocked or deflected suggesting a potential goaltending.

As is further shown in FIG. 2, each sensory device 237 is connected to an RF switch 241 through an RF connector 242. Each sensor packet 230 can contain its own RF switch 241. Alternatively, a single RF switch 241 can be positioned at a centralized position within the single-use ball 210 for use by multiple sensor packets 231-236. Regardless, each RF switch 241 is capable of communicating with the backboard sensor 300. A power source 242, which can be a battery 243, helps supply electricity to the RF switch and each sensor device 237.

The single-use ball 210 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 represent a closed system, such that each sensor device 237, RF switch 241, RF connector 242 and battery 243 is permanently positioned within the interior side 212—without ability to be interchanged. Each of these components is rigidly attached to the interior side 212 through a connector 250 preferably made of lightweight and study fiberglass—or related material know to those of ordinary skill in the art. Once the battery 243 is spent (or if a sensory device 237 becomes inoperable), the single-use ball 210 becomes spent requiring use of a new device.

An alternative to the single-use ball 210 is the multi-use ball 220 illustrated in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the multi-use ball 220 allows access to the sensory device 237, the RF switch 241, RF connector 242 and battery 243. This is accomplished through the unique structure of a first portion 221, a corresponding second portion 222 and an interlocking sealing member 223 capable of connecting both portions (221 and 222).

The interlocking sealing member 223 can include, but is certainly not limited to, a tongue-and-groove seal, a hinge-and-lock knob system, or any related mechanism, which allows an airtight seal without compromising the functionality of the basketball. The sealing member 223 may also further include some type of strip 224 of material to help hide the seal caused by connecting both portions 221 and 222 when the multi-use ball 220 is in a closed position.

To aid in effectuating a more traditional feel, the multi-use ball 220 can be filled with a resilient foam 225. The resilient foam 225 is lightweight and assists in making the multi-use ball 220 bounce like a regular basketball. In addition, this resilient foam 225 helps position and maintain the various components, including the sensor packets 230.

Based upon the functionality shown in FIG. 3, the multi-use ball 220 can effectively open to allow access to the various components. Thus, a spent battery can be replaced 243 by opening the sealing member 223. Alternatively, a worn or malfunctioning pressure sensor 240 can be interchanged.

The Backboard Sensor

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the various components of one preferred embodiment of the backboard sensor 300. These components can include, but are certainly not limited to, a sensory zone 310 (located above the rim 311 and in front of the backboard 312), motion sensors 320, receiving antenna 330, a computer 340 and a second RF switch 350. Other components will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of this disclosure.

FIG. 4 primarily illustrates the location and positioning of the sensory zone 310. Apart from the motion sensor 238, a vibration sensor 239 and pressure sensor 240 positioned within the enhanced ball 200, the sensory zone 310 functions to create an electro-magnetic field 313 sufficient to measure the trajectory and positioning of the enhanced ball 200 This electro-magnetic field 313 is in front of the backboard 312 and above its rim 311.

Once the enhanced ball 200 is positioned within the sensory zone 310, the backboard sensor 300 is capable of determining the velocity, acceleration, trajectory and movement of the enhanced ball 200. This is accomplished through a plurality of motion sensors 320 positioned along the length of the backboard 312. Moreover, once within the electro-magnetic field 313, the sensory zone 310 engages other components of the backboard sensor 300—including these motion sensors 320.

FIG. 5 illustrates the various other components of the backboard sensor 300. These components include the receiving antenna 330, a computer 340 and a second RF switch 350. The receiving antenna 330 obtains information from the enhanced ball 200, including information regarding any pressure changes, motion deviations or vibrations which could signify a goaltending event. This information from the receiving antenna 330, in addition to data obtained from the various motion sensors 320 positioned on the length of the backboard 312, are sent and received by the computer 340.

The computer 340 includes a processor 341, memory device 342, power source 343 (which can be a battery 344) and a set of programs 345. Information received from both the various sensors is received into the processor 341 and interpreted from programs 345 located in the memory device 342. In one set of routines, the programs 345 first determine if the enhanced ball 200 is within the sensory zone 310. This is done by receiving information from a sensor device 237, which transmits the elevation (E_(x)) at a specific point in time (T_(x)) of the enhanced ball 200 to create an array of data showing various positions (P_(x)). If P_(x) is within a specific range of pre-programmed data, then the program 345 confirms the enhanced ball 200 is within the sensory zone 310. If the enhanced ball 200 is indeed within that sensory zone 310, the program 345 denotes if there is any vibration, movement or pressure change identified by the sensory devices 237—which denotes a goaltending. As those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, similar data (apart from P_(x) can be used) for purposes of determining whether the enhanced ball 200 is within the sensory zone 310.

In addition, the computer 340 constantly monitors to determine if the motion sensors 320 denote any irregularities. In one such program 345, the computer 340 determines if the enhanced ball 200 is following an ellipses (suggesting a shot was made) and determining any sudden change of movement (denoting a potential blocked shot). Should this varied information suggest a likely goaltending, the information is then relayed—via the RF switch 350—to the alert display 500.

The Camera Array

FIGS. 6 through 8 illustrate an optional camera array 400 which can be included within the backboard sensor 300. This camera array 400 can optionally communicate with the computer 340. First turning to FIG. 6, the camera array 400 is positioned on the top of the backboard 312 through a camera track 410. Preferably, the camera array 400 includes three cameras positioned about the track 410: a first camera 401, a second camera 402 and a corresponding third camera 403. Each of the cameras 401-403 can pivot to accurately record the enhanced ball 200 as moves about the court.

FIG. 7 illustrates the back of the backboard 312 illustrating how the track 410 maintains the cameras 401-403. The camera array 400 is connected to the computer 340 in order to upload the digital images received from the cameras 401-403. Moreover, each of the cameras 401-403 can pivot in tandem or rotate individually, depending upon what is directed by the program 345 located within the computer 340. Data obtained from the cameras 401-403 can be compared to that received from the enhanced camera 200 for purposes of graphically displaying the trajectory of the enhanced camera 200 and pictorially representing whether a goaltending has occurred.

FIG. 8 illustrates the front of the backboard 312—showing how the various cameras 401-403 do not interfere or impede the operation of the backboard 313.

The Alert Display

FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of the alert display 500—preferably positioned courtside at the referee table. The purpose of the alert display 500 is to provide players or the neutral referee with an alert whether a deflection is a goaltending or a legitimate blocked shot. Primary components of the alert display 500 may include a visual display 510, connectors 520 and a receiving antenna 530.

As shown in FIG. 9, the receiving antenna 530 is capable of receiving information from RF switch 350 located on the backboard sensor 300. This information can include, but is not limited to, data interpolated by programs 345 stored on the memory device 342 of the computer 340. Interpolated data can include whether the enhanced ball 200 is within the sensory zone 310, if there has been a pressure change, motion change or vibration suggesting a deflection measured by the enhanced ball 200, and whether the motion sensors 320 directly connected to the backboard sensor 300 suggest a deflection. In addition, this data can also include digital video images of the actual deflection captures by the camera array 400 which can be stored and retrieved from the memory device 342.

As further shown in FIG. 9, the visual display 510 is capable of providing a variety of information based upon interpolations made by programs 345 contained within the computer 340 of the backboard sensor 300. This can include creating a visual graphic to be placed over the actual digital video captured by the camera array 400. This visual graphic can include the trajectory of the enhanced ball 200 prior to its deflection, as well as a visual denoting whether the programs 345 determined the deflection a goaltending or a legitimate blocked shot. Such visual display can also show the degree of confidence in the finding—as well as how the computer 340 denoted the likelihood of the enhanced ball 200 going into the rim 311. To confirm, the visual display can show the elevation (E_(x)) at various points in time (T_(x)) to denote the various positions (P_(x)) the enhanced ball 200 is at in relation to the backboard sensor 300.

Finally, various connectors 520 are positioned within the alert display 500. These connectors 520 take the various data and digital images received from the receiving antenna 530 and allow a plurality of other devices to connect and obtain this data and digital images from the backboard sensor 300. Examples of connectors 520 include, but are in no way limited to, HDMI cables, DVI outputs, AV outputs and related components. Accordingly, information obtained from the goaltending system 100 can be broadcast during a televised basketball game or shown up in a skybox for other referees to interpret or use.

Method of Detecting a Goaltending

The invention is further directed at a method of detecting whether a goaltending has occurred while playing the sport of basketball. The first step of the method is to sense whether there has been a vibration, pressure change or motion change through use of two or more sensory devices 237.

Each sensory device 237 positioned within the interior side 212 of an enhanced ball 200. Such sensory devices 237 can include, but are not necessarily limited to, a motion sensor 238, a vibration sensor 239 and a pressure sensor 240. Each of these sensors 238-240 can be housed and maintained within a self-supporting sensor packet 230. Each sensor packet 230 can include an RF switch 241 that connects to each sensor 238-240 via an RF connector 242. A self-supporting battery 243 is also placed within each sensor packet 230. It is preferable that each sensor packet 230 be connected to the interior side 212 of the enhanced ball 200.

The second step is to send data from the sensor packet 230 within the enhanced ball 200 through the RF switches 241 to a backboard sensor 300. The backboard sensor 300 functions to receive, interpolate and analyze data (P_(x), E_(x), and T_(x)) obtained and harnessed from the enhanced ball 200—including pressure fluctuations, motion changes and vibrations (all of which could suggest a deflection that could be a goaltending). The backboard sensor 300 includes an electro-magnetic sensory zone 310 (located above the rim 311 and in front of the backboard 312), a plurality motion sensors 320 positioned along the backboard 312, a receiving antenna 330 to obtain data from the enhanced ball 200, a computer 340 and a second RF switch 350 sufficient to send analyzed data. These various devices are capable of tracking the path of the enhanced ball 200 when it is within the sensory zone 310. Such tracking includes having sensing devices 237 record and transmit the elevation (E_(x)) at specific points in time (T_(x)) to provide an array of various positions (P_(x))—to determine the trajectory (upward or downward) of the enhanced ball 200.

The third step of the method is to measure whether the enhanced ball 200 was deflected while in a downward trajectory through a program 345 contained within the memory device 342 of the computer 340. There are various programs 345 that are maintained on the memory device 342 in communication with the receiving antenna 330 of the backboard sensor 300. One such program 345 identifies whether the enhanced ball 200 is within the sensory zone 310 (as described above through determining if the position (P_(x)) of the enhanced ball 200 is within a pre-specified range). A second program 345 denotes whether the enhanced ball is in a downward trajectory (is the elevation (E_(x)) decreasing throughout a period of time (T_(x))) within the sensory zone 310. A third program 345 can assist—based upon the various sensory devices 237—if there has been a deflection. Each of these programs 345 interpolate data from the enhanced ball 200 to assist in determining if a goaltending has occurred.

The fourth step is to assess whether the enhanced ball 200 would have gone through the rim 311 of a backboard 312 in which the blackboard sensor 300 is connected. Based upon information received from the three programs 345 identified above, there is a fourth program 345 that determines if the trajectory of the enhanced ball 200 would have been sufficient to go through the rim 311.

The final step is to send an alert through an alert display 500 of a goaltending once the computer 340 confirms the downward trajectory and likelihood that the enhanced ball 200 would have gone through the rim 311. This alert display 500 functions to provide players or the neutral referee with an alert whether a deflection is a goaltending or a legitimate blocked shot. Primary components of the alert display 500 may include a visual display 510, connectors 520 and a receiving antenna 530.

The visual display 510 posts various information including digital images from a camera array 400 in which a graphic of the trajectory of the enhanced ball 200 can be shown. The visual display 510 may also include a signal that a goaltending has indeed occurred and the mathematical confidence in that finding. 

1. A goaltending system used during a basketball game, comprising: an enhanced ball which includes an exterior side and a corresponding interior side, the interior side including two or more sensory devices, one or more RF switches operable with the two or more sensory devices and a power source capable of supplying electricity to the two or more sensory devices and the one or more RF switches; a backboard sensor that creates a sensory zone capable of measuring the elevation and position of the enhanced ball, the backboard sensor having a processor and memory device; and an alert display capable of reporting the elevation and position of the enhanced ball.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein: the sensory zone is an electro-magnetic filed positioned above a rim and in front of a basketball backboard.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein: the backboard sensor further includes a plurality of motion sensors placed along the length of the backboard capable of measuring the velocity and trajectory of the enhanced ball.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein: the backboard sensor further includes an antenna capable of receiving information from the enhanced ball when the enhanced ball is within the sensory zone.
 5. The system of claim 5, wherein: the computer of the backboard sensor further includes a memory device in contact with the processor which maintains one or more programs which determines if the enhanced ball is within the sensory zone.
 6. The system of claim 6, wherein: the program can further denote whether the enhanced ball is in a downward trajectory and if there has been a deflection.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein: the sensory devices are positioned and housed within sensor packets positioned along the interior side of the enhanced ball.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein: the sensory devices include both motion sensors and vibration sensors.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein: the sensory devices further includes one or more pressure sensors.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein: the backboard sensor includes a camera array having a track of one or more digital cameras which can pivot in tandem.
 11. The method of detecting a goaltending during a basketball game, comprising the steps of: (a) sensing whether there has been a vibration, pressure change or motion change through a sensor packet positioned within an enhanced ball, the enhanced ball having an exterior side and a corresponding interior side, the interior side including two or more sensors within the sensor packet, one or more RF switches and a power source to provide electricity to the two or more sensors and one or more RF switches; (b) sending data from one or more sensors within the enhanced ball through the one or more RF switches to a backboard sensor, the backboard sensor including a sensory zone and a computer having a processor, memory device and RF switch operable therewith; and (c) measuring whether the enhanced ball was deflected while in a downward trajectory through a program contained within the memory device of the computer, the program operable to determine whether the enhanced ball was travelling in an upward trajectory with increasing elevation; (d) using the program operable with the computer to next assess whether the enhanced ball would have potentially gone through a rim of a backboard in which the blackboard sensor was connected; and (e) sending an alert through an alert display of a goaltending once the computer confirms the downward trajectory and likelihood the enhanced ball would have gone through the rim.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of: engaging the computer to run on the program once the backboard sensor determined the ball is within the sensory zone positioned above a rim and in front of a backboard.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of: interpolating data from a pressure sensor, motion sensor and vibration sensor located in the interior side of the enhanced ball throughout a range of time to calculate whether the enhanced ball had been shot by a player and is in a downward trajectory.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein: the backboard sensor further includes a plurality of motion sensors placed along the length of the backboard capable of measuring the velocity and trajectory of the enhanced ball.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein: the backboard sensor further includes an antenna capable of receiving information from the enhanced ball when the enhanced ball is within the sensory zone.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein: the sensors are positioned and housed within sensor packets positioned along the interior side of the enhanced ball.
 17. The system of claim 11, wherein: the backboard sensor includes a camera array having a track of one or more digital cameras which can pivot in tandem. 